[Ramadan fasting in type 2 diabetes mellitus].

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Ramadan fasting involves daily fasting for approximately 12 hours.
• Type 2 diabetes management requires careful attention to diet and metabolic parameters.
• The impact of Ramadan fasting on diabetic patients' health is a significant concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effects of Ramadan fasting on weight, blood pressure, metabolic control, and plasma lipoproteins in type 2 diabetic patients.
• To investigate whether baseline glycemic control influences the outcomes of Ramadan fasting.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 38 type 2 diabetic patients (using diet or oral hypoglycemic agents) was studied before, during, and after Ramadan.
• Clinical and biochemical parameters, including weight, blood pressure, glucose, fructosamine, and lipoproteins (HDL, LDL), were measured.
• Patients were stratified based on baseline fructosamine levels (<340 µmol/L vs. >340 µmol/L).

Main Results:

• Ramadan fasting led to a slight decrease in weight (0.52 kg) without significant changes in blood pressure.
• Patients with poor baseline glycemic control (fructosamine >340 µmol/L) experienced increased fasting glucose and fructosamine levels, along with unfavorable lipoprotein changes (decreased HDL, increased LDL).
• Patients with good baseline control (fructosamine <340 µmol/L) showed no significant adverse effects on glycemic or lipoprotein levels.

Conclusions:

• Ramadan fasting appears safe for type 2 diabetic patients with good metabolic control.
• Fasting during Ramadan can exacerbate glycemic control and lipoprotein profiles in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.
• Individualized assessment and management are crucial for diabetic patients undertaking Ramadan fasts.